Shield for a first responder radio

ABSTRACT

A cover or shield for a mobile radio includes a first cylindrical portion configured to fit a first knob, a second cylindrical portion configured to fit a second knob, and a bridge. A first end of the bridge may be fixed to the first cylindrical portion, and a second end of the bridge may be fixed to the second cylindrical portion. The bridge may be configured to orient the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion in alignment with the first knob and the second knob, respectively. In one example, the first cylindrical portion includes a cut-out configured to allow manipulation of the first knob by an operator of the portable radio. In another example, the second cylindrical portion is shorter than the second knob providing access to an upper section of the second knob by an operator of the portable radio.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application for patent claims priority to and the benefit ofprovisional patent application No. 63/042,680 filed in the United StatesPatent and Trademark Office on Jun. 23, 2020, the entire content ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below inits entirety and for all applicable purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to communication equipment, and more particularlyto a shield or cover that prevents unintended manipulation of radiocontrols in a first-responder handheld radio system.

BACKGROUND

Portable radio equipment used by police, fire, and other firstresponders is typically designed for ruggedness and ease of use and toensure that the equipment can be used safely and efficiently byoperators under chaotic conditions and/or while the operator is engagedin a high-risk situation or operation. Portable radio equipment may bedesigned for ease of operation while providing ready access to certaincontrols that are frequently manipulated. Frequently manipulatedcontrols may be arranged to minimize inadvertent access through size andlocation of control knobs. The sizing and placement of the controls of aportable radio is typically only partially effective in preventinginadvertent manipulations when the operator is not fully attentive tothe requiring attention operator. For example, the operator may need toadjust channel controls without looking at the radio equipment when theoperator is engaged in a high-risk law enforcement operation and when aninadvertent change in volume of the radio output could reveal thepresence or position of the operator. In another example, an inadvertentchange of channel when the operator is adjusting a volume control couldjeopardize effectiveness of an operation due to communication failure.The tradeoff between accessibility, ease of use and preventingunintended changes can be difficult to accomplish and can createjeopardy for the operator.

There is an ongoing need for technology and devices that enable anoperator of first-responder portable radio equipment to safely andsecurely change device settings.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus that can protectoperator safety during critical incidents in the field. Operators mayinclude a first responder such as a law enforcement officer or anofficer of another governmental agency, and/or employees of privatesecurity companies that utilize the handheld radio systems. Operatorsmay include first responders such as paramedics or fire fighters. Inaccordance with certain aspects of this disclosure, a cover is providedthat can shield certain controls of a handheld radio system frominadvertent manipulation. In some examples, the cover acts as a shieldthat can prevent accidental adjustments of audible volume, switchingbetween channels, changes of operating mode, and other suchmodifications of radio system function while an operating is managing acovert or critical incident in the field.

In some aspects of the disclosure, a shield is provided that has a firstcylindrical portion configured to fit a first knob of the portableradio, a second cylindrical portion configured to fit a second knob ofthe portable radio, and a bridge that has a first end and a second end.The first end of the bridge may be fixed or coupled to the firstcylindrical portion. The second end of the bridge may be fixed orcoupled to the second cylindrical portion. The bridge may be configuredto orient the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindricalportion in alignment with the first knob and the second knob.

In one aspect, the first cylindrical portion includes a cut-outconfigured to expose a portion of the first knob. The cut-out may beconfigured to enable manipulation of the first knob by an operator ofthe portable radio.

In one aspect, the second cylindrical portion is configured to expose anupper section of the second knob. The second cylindrical portion may beshorter than the second knob. The second cylindrical portion may bedimensioned to enable manipulation of the upper section of the secondknob by an operator of the portable radio.

In certain aspects, the shield has a reinforcing member that is embeddedin the bridge. The reinforcing member may be configured to stiffen thebridge. The reinforcing member may be configured to stiffen the shield.At least a portion of the reinforcing member may be embedded in thefirst cylindrical portion or the second cylindrical portion. Thereinforcing member may be configured to maintain a distance separatingthe first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. Thereinforcing member is constructed from a metal. In some instances, thereinforcing member is constructed from titanium. The reinforcing membermay be constructed from a mesh material or a composite material. Thereinforcing member may be constructed from a polymer or carbon fiber.

In some aspects of the disclosure, a method for shielding controls of aportable radio includes configuring a first cylindrical portion to fit afirst knob of the portable radio, configuring a second cylindricalportion to fit a second knob of the portable radio, and coupling thefirst cylindrical portion with the first cylindrical portion using abridge having a first end and a second end. The first end may be fixedor coupled to the first cylindrical portion. The second end may be fixedor coupled to the second cylindrical portion. The bridge may beconfigured to orient the first cylindrical portion and the secondcylindrical portion in alignment with the first knob and the secondknob.

In one aspect, the first cylindrical portion includes a cut-outconfigured to expose a portion of the first knob and to enablemanipulation of the first knob by an operator of the portable radio. Inanother aspect, the second cylindrical portion is configured to exposean upper section of the second knob and to enable manipulation of theupper section of the second knob by an operator of the portable radio.The second cylindrical portion may be shorter than the second knob.

In certain aspects, the method includes embedding a reinforcing memberin the bridge. The the reinforcing member may be configured to stiffenor strengthen the bridge. The reinforcing member may be configured tomaintain a distance separating the first cylindrical portion and thesecond cylindrical portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a portable radio used by firstresponders.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain aspects of the operation of the portableradio of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates certain aspects of a cover that may be manufacturedfor use with the portable radio of FIG. 1 and in accordance with certainaspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual representation of a cover that may be configuredor manufactured for shielding knobs on a portable radio in accordancewith certain aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 includes a side view of the cover illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a reinforcing member that may beembedded in a cover provided in accordance with certain aspects of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a cover fitted to a mobile radio inaccordance with certain aspects disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating certain aspects of a method forshielding controls of a portable radio according to certain aspects ofthis disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various configurations and isnot intended to represent the only configurations in which the conceptsdescribed herein may be practiced. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that these concepts may be practiced without these specificdetails. In some instances, well known structures and components areshown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a portable radio 100 that may be used byfirst responders. The concepts disclosed herein are not restricted toany particular brand, model or configuration of handheld or portableradio system. In the illustrated example, certain controls 102 locatedon an upper surface of the portable radio 100 are configured for easyaccess by an operator and for ease of use in the field. In many handheldor portable radio systems, individual controls are sized, located andoriented to permit easy visual or tactile identification under normaloperating conditions. In some instances, imprecise movements by anoperator may inadvertently change the volume, channel or operating modeset for the portable radio 100. In some examples, inadvertent changesmay occur when the operator is under stress or duress, operatingstealthily or when the operator is otherwise involved in criticalincidents in the field. In one example, inadvertent changes may occurwhen the operator is involved in high-risk enforcement operations.

Inadvertent changes in the operating mode of a handheld radio system canimperil safety of a law enforcement officer, first responders, victimsof accidents or criminal activities and third parties in the vicinity ofan incident or operation. In one example, a law enforcement operator mayneed to change channel or select a talk-group while a loudspeaker of theportable radio 100 is muted or in a low-volume mode. If the operatorwere to brush the volume control while changing channel or talk-group,the presence and/or location of the operator may be prematurelyrevealed.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain aspects of the operation of the portableradio 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 in more detail. From a first perspective200, it can be seen that many controls are provided on the body of theportable radio 100 for manipulation by the operator. For example, thecontrols of the portable radio 100 includes a mode or channel knob 202,a volume/on/off knob 204, private call answer button 206, push-to-talkbutton 208, multi-button surface 210 and an emergency button 212. Theconfiguration and operation of the channel knob 202, a volume/on/offknob 204 can be seen in the magnified perspective 220. In theillustrated example, the mode or channel knob 202 rotates 222 about afirst axis 226 and the volume/on/off knob 204 rotates 224 about a secondaxis 228 that angles away from the first axis 226. The separation 230 ofthe first axis 226 from the second axis 228 diminishes approaching thetop surface of the portable radio 100. An attempt to adjust one of thetwo knobs 202 or 204 without looking at the portable radio 100 (e.g.,using tactile sensing to locate and select a knob 202 or 204 foradjustment) may cause inadvertent adjustment of the other knob 204 or202.

Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to a cover that can operate asa mutual shield between two or more control mechanisms of the portableradio. FIG. 3 illustrates certain aspects of an example of a cover 300that may be manufactured for use with the portable radio 100 of FIG. 1in accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure. The cover 300includes two substantially cylindrical portions 302, 304 that areconfigured to engage two controls. For example, two substantiallycylindrical portions 302, 304 may be configured to engage the knobs 202,204 of the portable radio 100. The substantially cylindrical portions302, 304 are connected by a bridge 306. The bridge 306 is configured toprovide an orientation of the cylindrical portions 302, 304 that matchesthe orientation of the two knobs 202, 204 to be shielded on the portableradio 100. For example, the bridge 306 is configured to align eachcylindrical portion 302, 304 to an axis 316, 318 (respectively) of thecorresponding knob 202, 204.

The cover 300 may be constructed from a resin (e.g., a polyurethaneresin), polymer, metal, mesh, carbon fiber, composite, ceramic or othermaterial, or some combination thereof. The cover 300 may be manufacturedby using 3D printing, molding, cutting, casting, coating, laminating,etching, grinding, and/or other process, alone or in combination. Thecover 300 may be constructed to provide desired degrees of stiffness,resilience, flexibility, rigidity, impact resistance and/or mechanicalstrength. Different portions of the cover 300 may be manufactured fromdifferent materials. Different portions of the cover 300 may bemanufactured using different manufacturing processes. In one example, atleast one of the cylindrical portions 302, 304 may be ceramic andmanufactured using 3D printing, and the cylindrical portions 302, 304may be coupled using a molded polymer bridge 306.

In some implementations, the cover 300 may include an embeddedreinforcement. In one example, the embedded reinforcement includes arod, bar, strip, strap or mesh that is embedded in a resin or polymerstructure to provide or improve stiffness, elasticity, strength and/orrigidity of portions of the cover 300. In various examples, thestiffness, elasticity, strength and/or rigidity of the bridge 306 may beimproved by embedding a reinforcing member or material within the bodyof the bridge 306. In some examples, the embedded reinforcement mayoperate to maintain a minimum or maximum separation between thecylindrical portions 302, 304. In some examples, the embeddedreinforcement may operate to maintain the relative orientation of thecylindrical portions 302, 304 with respect to one another.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual representation of an example of a shield 400 thatmay be configured or manufactured for shielding knobs 422, 424 on anupper surface 420 of a portable radio 100 in accordance with certainaspects of this disclosure. The shield 400 may also be referred to as acover, screen or a shielding cover. Two substantially cylindricalportions 402, 404 at least partially cover the knobs 422, 424. Thecylindrical portions 402, 404 are coupled or connected by a bridge 406.The cylindrical portions 402, 404 of the shield 400 may be structured toprovide reduced access to certain knobs 422, 424 when installed inposition over the knobs 422, 424. In one example, a first cylindricalportion 402 has a cut-out section 408 that is configured to provide anoperator access to a sufficient portion of the surface of a first knob422 to rotate, depress or otherwise manipulate the first knob 422. Inanother example, a second cylindrical portion 404 is truncated withrespect to the length of a second knob 424. The second cylindricalportion 404 is illustrated as having a cut-off section 410. When theshield 400 is installed on the portable radio 100, the absence of thecut-off section 410 provides the operator access to an upper portion ofthe second knob 424 sufficient to enable the operator to rotate, depressor otherwise manipulate the second knob 424. The cut-out section 408and/or cut-off section 410 may be sized and located to limit thepossibility of inadvertent manipulation, including inadvertentmanipulation of one knob 422 or 424 caused when the operator isadjusting a setting of the other knob 424 or 422. For example, theexposed area of the second knob 424 may provide insufficient resistanceto cause the second knob 424 to rotate in response to unintendedcontacts such as the contact caused by brushing motions of a finger orhand of an operator, when the operator is manipulating the first knob422.

FIG. 5 illustrates a shield 500 that includes a pair of cylindricalportions 502, 504 that are separated by a bridge 506. The shield 500 maycorrespond in some respects to the shield 400 illustrated in FIG. 4. Theshield 500 may also be referred to as a cover, screen or a shieldingcover. The cylindrical portions 502, 504 of the shield 500 may bestructured to provide reduced access to certain knobs 512, 514 wheninstalled in position over the knobs 512, 514. In one example, a firstcylindrical portion 502 has a cut-out section 508 that is configured toprovide an operator access to a sufficient portion of the surface of afirst knob 512 to rotate, depress or otherwise manipulate the first knob512. In another example, the length of a second cylindrical portion 504is truncated with respect to the length of a second knob 514 and isconfigured to provide the operator access to an upper portion of asecond knob 514 sufficient to enable the operator to rotate, depress orotherwise manipulate the second knob 514. The cut-out section 508 and/orlength of the second cylindrical portion 504 may be sized and located tolimit the possibility of inadvertent manipulation, including inadvertentmanipulation of one knob 512 or 514 that may occur when the operator isadjusting a setting of the other knob 514 or 512.

FIG. 5 also includes a view of the shield 500 after it has been placedover the knobs 512, 514 of a portable radio. The shield 500 is placed onan upper surface of the body 516 of the portable radio 100, each leavinga portion of the corresponding knob 512, 514 exposed. For example, thesecond cylindrical portion 504 is shorter in height than the knob 514that it partially covers.

In some examples, the bridge 506 is formed from an elastic material thatis extensible and that can be stretched as the shield 500 is beingplaced over the knobs 512, 514. In some examples, at least one of thecylindrical portions 502, 504 is formed from an elastic material that isextensible and that permits the cylindrical portion 502 or 504 to betemporarily deformed to facilitate placement of the shield 500 over thecorresponding knob 512 or 514. In other examples, at least one of thecylindrical portions 502, 504 is oversized to accommodate the variationin distance between the knobs 512, 514 along the diverging axes aboutwhich the knobs are provided.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a reinforcing member 600 that may beincluded in the shield 500 in accordance with certain aspects of thisdisclosure. A cross-sectional side view 610 of the shield 500 and across-sectional top view 620 of the shield 500 illustrates one exampleof the potential placement of a reinforcing member 600 when included inthe shield 500. In some examples, the reinforcing member 600 is embeddedin the bridge 506. In some examples, a first portion of the reinforcingmember 600 is embedded in the bridge 506 and one or more other portionsof the reinforcing member 600 are embedded at least one of thecylindrical portions 502, 504.

In some examples, the reinforcing member 600 may comprise a rod, bar,strip, strap or mesh. The reinforcing member 600 may be embedded in aresin or polymer portion of the shield 500 to provide or improvestiffness, strength and/or rigidity of portions of the shield 500. Inone example, the reinforcing member 600 may be manufactured fromtitanium, steel, aluminum or another metallic material. In anotherexample, the reinforcing member 600 may be manufactured from a polymer,carbon fiber or composite material.

The shape, size and structure of the reinforcing member 600 may beselected based on the material used to manufacture the shield 500, thedistance spanned by the bridge 506 and/or the material used tomanufacture the reinforcing member 600. For example, the rod, bar,strip, strap or mesh may be straight (see reinforcing members 600, 630),curved (see reinforcing members 632, 634) or segmented (see reinforcingmembers 636, 638). In one example, a segmented reinforcing member 636,638 may have segments disposed at an angle with respect to one another.In one example, a segmented reinforcing member 636, 638 may havesegments that are coupled using hinges. In some instances, the shape,size and structure of the reinforcing member 600, 630, 632, 634, 636,638 may be configured to maintain separation between the cylindricalportions 502, 504. In some instances, the shape, size and structure ofthe reinforcing member 600, 630, 632, 634, 636, 638 may be configured tomaintain the relative orientation of the cylindrical portions 502, 504.In some instances, the shape, size and structure of the reinforcingmember 600, 630, 632, 634, 636, 638 may be configured to maintain therelative location of the cylindrical portions 502, 504.

In some examples, the reinforcing member 600 (for example) is embeddedafter fabrication of the shield 500. In one example, the reinforcingmember 600 is inserted into a slot, channel, groove, hole or otheropening provided in the bridge 506. In some instances, the reinforcingmember 600 is inserted into a slot or channel in the bridge 506 througha hole or opening provided through one of the cylindrical portions 502,504. In some instances, the reinforcing member 600 may be retained inplace within a slot, channel, groove or hole in the bridge 506 using aglue or a fastener. In some instances, the reinforcing member 600 isinserted into a slot, channel, groove or hole provided in the bridge 506before the bridge 506 is joined to one or more of the cylindricalportions 502, 504. In one example, the bridge 506 is formed as twohalves, and the reinforcing member 600 is inserted between the twohalves before the two halves are bonded, welded, glued or otherwisefastened or joined to form the bridge 506. In some examples, the bridge506 is molded or otherwise formed around the reinforcing member 600during manufacture. In some examples, the bridge 506 and at least one ofthe cylindrical portions 502, 504 is molded or otherwise formed aroundthe reinforcing member 600 before the bridge 506 is joined to one ormore of the cylindrical portions 502, 504.

In some implementations, a reinforcing mesh material may be used toimprove certain mechanical properties of the shield 400, includingincreasing shear strength, yield strength, resistance to fatigue, etc.In one example, the shield 500 may have an embedded mesh or fabric madefrom materials such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), carbon fiber, orother suitable material.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a cover or shield 702 fitted to amobile radio 700 in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein.

In one implementation, a shield 500 (see FIG. 5) may be configured foruse with a handheld radio system such as the portable radio 100illustrated in FIG. 1. The shield 500 may provide mutual shieldingbetween control elements of the handheld radio system. The controlelements may include switches, dials, pushbuttons, slider switches,knobs or the like. In some examples, the shield 500 includes a firstcylindrical portion 502 configured to fit a first knob 512 of thehandheld radio system, a second cylindrical portion 504 configured tofit a second knob 514 of the handheld radio system, and a bridge 506. Afirst end of the bridge 506 may be fixed to the first cylindricalportion 502, and a second end of the bridge 506 may be fixed to thesecond cylindrical portion 504. The bridge 506 may be configured toorient the first cylindrical portion 502 and the second cylindricalportion 504 in alignment with the first knob 512 and the second knob514, respectively.

In one example, the first cylindrical portion 502 includes a cut-outsection 508 configured to expose a portion of the first knob 512. Thecut-out may be configured to enable manipulation of the first knob 512by an operator of the handheld radio system. In another example, thesecond cylindrical portion 504 is configured to expose an upper sectionof the second knob 514. The second cylindrical portion 504 may beshorter than the second knob 514. The second cylindrical portion 504 maybe dimensioned to enable manipulation of the upper section of the secondknob by an operator of the portable radio.

In certain examples, the shield 400 includes a reinforcing member 600that may be embedded in the bridge 506. The reinforcing member 600 maybe manufactured or configured to stiffen or strengthen the bridge,and/or to stiffen or strengthen other portions of the shield 400. Insome instances, at least a portion of the reinforcing member 600 isembedded in the first cylindrical portion 502. In some instances, atleast a portion of the reinforcing member 600 is embedded in the secondcylindrical portion 504.

In certain examples, the reinforcing member 600 is configured tomaintain a distance separating the first cylindrical portion 502 and thesecond cylindrical portion 504. In one example, the reinforcing membermay be constructed from a metal or an alloy. In one example, thereinforcing member may be constructed from titanium or aluminum. In oneexample, the reinforcing member may be constructed from a mesh materialor a composite material. In one example, the reinforcing member may beconstructed from a polymer, a mesh material, a composite material,carbon fiber. In one example, the reinforcing member 600 is constructedfrom PTFE.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram 800 illustrating certain aspects of a methodfor shielding controls of a portable radio. At block 802, a firstcylindrical portion of a cover may be configured to fit a first knob ofthe portable radio. At block 804, a second cylindrical portion of thecover may be configured to fit a second knob of the portable radio. Atblock 806, the first cylindrical portion with the first cylindricalportion may be coupled using a bridge having a first end and a secondend. The first end may be fixed to the first cylindrical portion. Thesecond end may be fixed to the second cylindrical portion. The bridgemay be configured to orient the first cylindrical portion and the secondcylindrical portion in alignment with the first knob and the second knobwhen fitted to the portable radio.

In some examples, the first cylindrical portion includes a cut-outconfigured to expose a portion of the first knob and to enablemanipulation of the first knob by an operator of the portable radio. Insome examples, the second cylindrical portion is configured to expose anupper section of the second knob and to enable manipulation of the uppersection of the second knob by an operator of the portable radio. Thesecond cylindrical portion may be shorter than the second knob.

In some examples, a reinforcing member may be embedded in the bridge.The reinforcing member may be configured to stiffen the bridge. Thereinforcing member may be configured to maintain a distance separatingthe first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. All structural andfunctional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects describedthroughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known tothose of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein byreference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover,nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the publicregardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in theclaims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, theelement is recited using the phrase “step for.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A shield for a portable radio, comprising: afirst cylindrical portion configured to fit a first knob of the portableradio; a second cylindrical portion configured to fit a second knob ofthe portable radio; and a bridge having a first end and a second end,wherein the first end is coupled to the first cylindrical portion,wherein the second end is coupled to the second cylindrical portion, andwherein the bridge is configured to orient the first cylindrical portionand the second cylindrical portion in alignment with the first knob andthe second knob.
 2. The shield for the portable radio of claim 1,wherein the first cylindrical portion includes a cut-out configured toexpose a portion of the first knob.
 3. The shield for the portable radioof claim 2, wherein the cut-out is configured to enable manipulation ofthe first knob by an operator of the portable radio.
 4. The shield forthe portable radio of claim 1, wherein the second cylindrical portion isconfigured to expose an upper section of the second knob.
 5. The shieldfor the portable radio of claim 4, wherein the second cylindricalportion is shorter than the second knob.
 6. The shield for the portableradio of claim 4, wherein the second cylindrical portion is dimensionedto enable manipulation of the upper section of the second knob by anoperator of the portable radio.
 7. The shield for the portable radio ofclaim 1, further comprising: a reinforcing member embedded in thebridge.
 8. The shield for the portable radio of claim 7, wherein thereinforcing member is configured to stiffen the bridge.
 9. The shieldfor the portable radio of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing member isconfigured to strengthen the shield.
 10. The shield for the portableradio of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the reinforcing memberis embedded in the first cylindrical portion or the second cylindricalportion.
 11. The shield for the portable radio of claim 7, wherein thereinforcing member is configured to maintain a distance separating thefirst cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.
 12. Theshield for the portable radio of claim 7, wherein the reinforcing memberis constructed from titanium.
 13. The shield for the portable radio ofclaim 7, wherein the reinforcing member is constructed from a metal. 14.The shield for the portable radio of claim 7, wherein the reinforcingmember is constructed from a mesh material or a composite material. 15.The shield for the portable radio of claim 7, wherein the reinforcingmember is constructed from a polymer or carbon fiber.
 16. A method forshielding controls of a portable radio, comprising: configuring a firstcylindrical portion of a cover to fit a first knob of the portableradio; configuring a second cylindrical portion of the cover to fit asecond knob of the portable radio; and coupling the first cylindricalportion with the first cylindrical portion using a bridge having a firstend and a second end, wherein the first end is fixed to the firstcylindrical portion, wherein the second end is fixed to the secondcylindrical portion, and wherein the bridge is configured to orient thefirst cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion inalignment with the first knob and the second knob when fitted to theportable radio.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the firstcylindrical portion includes a cut-out configured to expose a portion ofthe first knob and to enable manipulation of the first knob by anoperator of the portable radio.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein thesecond cylindrical portion is configured to expose an upper section ofthe second knob and to enable manipulation of the upper section of thesecond knob by an operator of the portable radio, and wherein the secondcylindrical portion is shorter than the second knob.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising: embedding a reinforcing member in thebridge, wherein the reinforcing member is configured to stiffen orstrengthen the bridge.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thereinforcing member is configured to maintain a distance separating thefirst cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.